Snap-fit corner connection apparatus for a storage building

ABSTRACT

A corner connector bracket member for connecting adjacent elongate structural members of a storage building to one another is provided. Each corner connector bracket includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed at approximately a right angle to the first connecting portion. Each of the first and second connecting portions includes a snap-fit tab adapted to engage a corresponding slot in each of the adjacent elongate structural members.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to building structuresand, more particularly, to storage building structures and an apparatusfor connecting load bearing members for storage building structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Prefabricated buildings, such as storage buildings or sheds, areintended to be purchased, assembled, and maintained by consumers who donot necessarily have the training or inclination to assemble andmaintain such a structure, particularly if such assembly and/ormaintenance requires a great deal of skill. Accordingly, prefabricatedmetal storage buildings have been developed that include pre-punchedfastener holes and other design features that simplify the assembly ofsuch a storage building. However, such designs typically require a largenumber of threaded fasteners (e.g., 600 or more threaded fasteners),such as screws and bolts, for a typical storage building having a lengthof about eight feet (about 2.4 meters) and a width of about ten feet(about 3.0 meters). This large number of threaded fasteners causes theassembly, maintenance and disassembly of a storage building to be a timeconsuming and tedious task, especially for the typical consumer who isnot accustomed to assembling storage buildings. Assembly could besimplified by providing only a few but relatively large portions of thestorage building to the ultimate purchaser. For example, each portioncould comprise either an integral or preassembled major component (suchas an entire wall). However, such an approach is inconsistent with theneed to package the unassembled storage building in a relatively smallshipping container to enable the consumer to easily transport it fromthe place of purchase to the site on which the storage building is to beerected. Further, preassembly of numerous separate components involvesadditional labor, increasing the overall cost of the storage building.

[0003] In addition, the large number of threaded fasteners, associatedholes and inevitable nicks and scratches that occur during installationof the fasteners provide a large number of locations that can beundesirably prone to corrosion.

[0004] Accordingly, efforts have been made to design storage buildingsthat may be assembled with a substantial reduction in the requirednumber of threaded fasteners and/or rivets.

[0005] For example, Australian Petty Patent No. AU-B-46098/97 disclosesa storage building structure that includes corrugated panels, made fromsheet steel, and edge channels for attachment to upper and lower ends ofthe corrugated panels. The edge channels are formed from rolled sheetsteel. Each corrugated panel includes punched lugs adjacent the upperand lower edges thereof while the edge channels include projectionsengaged by the punched lugs in the corrugated panels in order to lockthe corrugated panels to the edge channels.

[0006] Another example of a storage building structure with reducedreliance on fasteners is shown in PCT published application No.PCT/AU99/00765, which discloses a clip fastening system for attaching awall panel to a frame rail using a clip. The clip is fitted to the framerail and has pawl-like tabs which locate in apertures in a side wall ofthe frame rail. Corresponding apertures on the edge of the wall panelspermit the pawl-like tabs to snap fit through the apertures and retainthe wall panel to the frame rail. In an alternative embodiment, the clipis formed integrally with the frame rail by pressing out a flap from aside wall of the frame rail, each flap including a pawl-like indent.

[0007] Yet another example of a storage building that uses a reducednumber of threaded fasteners is shown in Danhof et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,076,328 (“the '328 patent”), which is assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention. The '328 patent discloses an apparatus that usesslotted horizontal frame members sized and spaced to accept ends ofvertical support members. The apparatus also includes a panel connectionconfiguration utilizing U-shaped vertical edges of wall panels that areadapted to hook onto edges of vertical support members, and that arelocked in place using a clip member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a cornerconnector bracket member is provided for connecting adjacent elongatestructural members of a storage building to one another. Each elongatestructural member includes a slot. The corner connector bracket membercomprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portiondisposed at approximately a right angle to the first connecting portion.Each connecting portion includes a snap-fit tab adapted to engage acorresponding slot in each of the adjacent elongate structural members.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each snap-fittab includes a ramp-shaped deflectable portion and a locking surfacedisposed at substantially a right angle from the ramp-shaped deflectableportion.

[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a storagebuilding includes a plurality of elongate structural members each havinga receiving slot disposed near an end thereof and a plurality of cornerconnector bracket members for connecting adjacent elongate structuralmembers to one another. Each corner connector bracket member includes afirst connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed atapproximately a right angle to the first connecting portion, and eachconnecting portion includes a snap-fit tab adapted to engage acorresponding receiving slot in each of the adjacent elongate structuralmembers.

[0011] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, acorner bracket for use in connecting together adjacent elongatechannel-shaped structural members of a storage building is provided. Thecorner bracket includes an angle portion separating two end portions.The angle portions span the width of the corner bracket and form anangle of approximately 90°. Each end portion includes a planar portionextending away from said angle portion and having a snap-fit tab memberangularly extending therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features of the present invention will be moreclearly understood from a consideration of the following descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage building constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is top view of a standard wall panel in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a detailed enlarged top view of a first ridged endportion of the panel of FIG. 2;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a detailed enlarged top view of a middle ridged portionof the panel of FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a detailed enlarged top view of a second ridged endportion of the panel of FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 6a is an enlarged top view of a first and second ridged endportion in proximity to one another;

[0019]FIG. 6b is a top view of a first and second ridged end portionnestably engaged to one another;

[0020]FIG. 7a is a top view of an alternate, narrow panel embodiment inaccordance with the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 7b is a top view of an alternate, corner panel embodiment inaccordance with the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a standard panel in accordancewith the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a detailed enlarged end view of a panel channel inaccordance with the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a panel about to be engaged witha panel channel in accordance with the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a panel engaged to a panelchannel and a debris deflector about to be engaged therewith inaccordance with the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the engaged combination of apanel, a panel channel, and a debris deflector in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a detailed enlarged end view of a debris deflector inaccordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 13 is an detailed enlarged end view of a panel engaged to apanel channel further engaged to a debris deflector in accordance withthe present invention;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a detailed enlarged end view of the panel channelclipping portion of a gable in accordance with the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 15a is an enlarged perspective view of a gable about toengage a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 15b is an enlarged perspective view of a gable engaged to apanel channel in accordance with the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 16a is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket aboutto engage a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 16b is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracketengaged to a panel channel in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary storage building 20 has arectangular frame 22 with opposing front and back, right and left walls,24, 26, 28, 30, respectively. The storage building 20 also includes aroof 32. The front and back, right and left, walls 24, 26, 28, 30 andthe roof 32 define an interior space 34. The front wall 24 defines anopening 36 there through which provides access to the interior space 34.A door (not shown) may be attached to the front wall 24 at the opening36. The door may by hinged or mounted in order to swing or slide openand closed.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a standard snap-fitpanel 48 in accordance with the present invention. The roof 32, rightwall 28, left wall 30 and back wall 26 are constructed of a plurality ofsnap fit standard snap-fit panels 48. The standard snap-fit panel 48includes a first and a second ridged end portion 50, 52. In addition tothe first and second ridged end portions 50, 52, the standard snap-fitpanel 48 further includes at least one middle ridged portion 54. Themiddle ridged portion 54 is disposed between the first and second ridgedend portion 50, 52. Additionally, the middle ridged portion 54 is formedto be equidistant from the first and second ridged end portions 50, 52.Standard snap-fit panels 48 are made of a continuous piece of materialsuch as sheet metal or plastic with several bent up or otherwise formedcontours. Additionally, the standard snap-fit panels 48 include an innerand outer surface 56, 58. The inner and outer surfaces 56, 58 define athickness 60 of the standard snap-fit panel 48. Thickness 60 issubstantially constant throughout the standard snap-fit panel 48. Forexample, if the standard snap-fit panel 48 is constructed from steel,the thickness 60 of approximately 0.22 mm may be used.

[0036] As best seen in FIG. 3, the first ridged end portion 50 alsoincludes a first U-shaped portion 62 that terminates in a first standardsnap-fit panel edge 64. Directly adjacent the first U-shaped portion 62,is a first clamping portion 66. The outer side 58 of the first clampingportion 66 forms approximately a 90° angle with the outer surface of thefirst U-shaped edge portion 62. Additionally, a first web portion 70, isadjacent the first clamping portion 66 of the first ridged end portion50. The outer surface 58 of the first web portion 70 forms approximatelya 270° angle with the outer surface 58 of the first clamping portion 50.The outer surface 58 of the first U-shaped portion 62, the firstclamping portion 66, and the first web portion 70 combine to form afirst engaging portion 74.

[0037] Adjacent to the first engaging portion 74 is the first endarcuate portion 76. Portion 76 may be formed with a variety of differentcontoured shapes. These contoured shapes work to provide anaesthetically pleasing surface appearance to the exterior surface 58 ofstandard snap-fit panel 48. Moreover, these contoured shapes work to addstability to the standard snap-fit panel 48, and therefore rigidity tothe building 20 made therefrom. As such, the majority of the length ofeach of the first end arcuate portion 76, second end arcuate portion 78,and even middle arcuate portion 80 are substantially similar to oneanother. (Compare FIGS. 2-5).

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 3 and the first ridged end portion 50,note that adjacent to the first end arcuate portion 76 and opposite thefirst engaging portion 74, is a second engaging portion 82. Portion 82is comprised of a second web portion 84, a second clamping portion 86and a first connecting member 88. The outer surface 58 of the second webportion 84 forms approximately a 275° angle with the outer surface 58 ofthe second clamping portion 86. The outer surface 58 of the secondclamping portion 86 forms approximately a 85° angle with the outersurface 58 of the first connecting member 88. As better seen in FIG. 2,a transition member 89 of the first ridged end portion 50 attaches thesecond engaging portion 82 of the first ridged end portion 50 to thefirst substantially flat portion 94. Adjacent to the first substantiallyflat portion 94 and opposite the first connecting member 88, is themiddle ridged portion 54 (See FIG. 2).

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, the middle ridged portion 54 includes afirst middle transition member 95 which connects the first substantiallyflat portion 94 to a first middle connecting member 96. Member 96attaches the first middle transition member 95 to the middle arcuatesection 80. Adjacent portion 80 is a second middle connecting portion98. Portion 98 connects the middle arcuate portion 80 to the secondmiddle transition member 99. Member 99 in turn connects the middleridged end portion 54 to a second substantially flat portion 100.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, the second substantially flat portion100 attaches to a transition portion 102 of the second ridged endportion 52. This transition portion 102 connects the secondsubstantially flat portion 100 to a second connecting member 104.Immediately adjacent the second connecting member 104 is a thirdclamping portion 106. The inner surface 56 of the second connectingmember 104 is approximately 270° from the inner surface 56 of the thirdclamping portion 106. Formed at approximately 90° from the inner surface56 of the third clamping portion 106, and opposite the first connectingmember 104, is a third web portion 108. The inner surfaces 56 of thesecond connecting member 104, the third clamping portion 106 and thirdweb portion 108 combine to form a first engaging portion 110 of thesecond ridged end portion 52. Adjacent portion 110 is the second endarcuate portion 78. As seen, the majority of the length of portion 78 issubstantially similar in shape and contour as such lengths of the firstend arcuate portion 76 and the middle arcuate portion 80. Adjacent thesecond end arcuate portion 78 is a second engaging portion 112 of thesecond ridged end portion 52. Portion 112 includes a second U-shapededge portion 114, which portion, in turn, terminates in a second paneledge 116.

[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 6a and 6 b, the first ridged end portion 50of a standard snap-fit panel 48 and the second ridged end panel 52 ofanother adjacent standard snap-fit panel 48 are adapted to securelyengage one another, i.e. nestably lock together, without the need forfasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts, that might otherwise beneeded to secure adjacent panels to one another in the absence of such asnap-fit configuration. The inner surface 56 of the second ridged endpanel 52 securely snaps in a friction fit manner over the outer surface58 of the first ridged end portion 50. As seen in FIG. 6b, the firstengaging portion 74 of the first ridged end portion 50 engages to thefirst engaging portion 110 of the second ridged end portion 52. As such,the outer surface 58 of the first U-shaped portion 62 directly engagesthe inner surface 56 of the second connecting member 104. At thelocation where the first U-shaped portion 62 engages the secondconnecting member 104 is formed a first interface 118. Similarly, secondinterface 120 is formed from the engagement of the outer surface 58 ofthe first clamping portion 66 and the inner surface 56 of the thirdclamping portion 106. Moreover, a third interface 122 is formed by theengaging of the inner surface 56 of the third web portion 108 and theouter surface 58 of the first web portion 70. Furthermore, a fourthinterface 124 is formed where the inner surface 56 of the secondU-shaped edge portion 114 engages the outer surface 58 of the second webportion 84. Still further, a fifth interface 126 is formed at the secondpanel edge 116 and the second clamping portion 86. Although not anengaging interface, as seen in FIG. 6b, the inner surface 56 of thesecond end arcuate portion 78 (of a first panel 48) substantiallyfollows the outer surface 58 of the first end arcuate portion 76, whenthe first ridged end portion 50 engages the second ridged end portion 52of a second, adjacent snap-fit panel 48.

[0042]FIGS. 7a and 7 b show alternative embodiments of the standardsnap-fit panel 48. (Hereafter, portions of the embodiments found inFIGS. 7a and 7 b that are identical to previously described portionsshall be indicated with the same reference number with the addition of aprime.) First, FIG. 7a shows a narrow panel 128. This panel is identicalto the standard snap-fit panel 48 except that it does not include amiddle ridged portion 54 and a second substantially flat portion 100. Asseen in FIG. 7a, the narrow panel 128 includes a first ridged endportion 50′, a second ridged end portion 52′ and first substantiallyflat portion 94′. The shorter overall width of panel 128, contrasted tothat of panel 48, is beneficial when a given building length demandsless than an full panel 48.

[0043] Then, FIG. 7b depicts a corner panel 130. The corner panel 130 issimilar to the narrow panel 128 in that it does not contain a middleridged portion 54 or a second substantially flat portion 100. As such,the corner panel 130 includes a first ridged end portion 50′ and asecond ridged end portion 52′. However, the first substantially flatportion 94′ that is found in narrow panel 128 is not present in thecorner panel 130. Instead, the corner panel 130 contains a bent portion132 that is disposed between the first ridged end portion 50′ and thesecond ridged end portion 52′.

[0044]FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation view of the lower portion of astandard snap-fit panel 48. From this view, several apertures 132 can beseen. These apertures 132 are generally rectangular in shape, and arelocated at a predetermined distance 134 from the bottom edge 136 andsimilarly from the top edge 138, of the standard snap-fit panel 48.Specifically, apertures 132 can be found in first end arcuate portion76, and in the first transition member 89 of the first ridged endportion 50. Moreover, centrally-located such apertures 132 can also befound in the first and second middle transition members 95, 99, and themiddle arcuate portion 80 of the middle ridged portion 54. Furthermore,the apertures can be found in the second transition member 102 and thesecond end arcuate portion 78 of the second ridged end portion 52. Stillfurther, with respect to the narrow panel 128 and corner panel 130, theapertures 132 are also found at predetermined distance 134 from the topand bottom edges (not shown). The apertures 132 as formed in the narrowpanel 128 and corner panel 130 embodiments are located in the sameplaces as with the standard snap-fit panel 48, with the exception, ofcourse, that there are no apertures 132 formed in the middle ridgedportion 54, namely, because panels 128, 130 do not have such a middleridged portion 54.

[0045]FIG. 9 generally depicts an enlarged end view looking along thelength of a panel channel 140. Channel 140 is designed to fit over therespective top edges 138, and the respective bottom edges 136 of thestandard snap-fit panels 48, once the same have been snap-fit togetherin end-to-end fashion as described above. Additionally, the corner panelembodiment 130 and the narrow panel embodiment 128 also fit with thepanel channel 140. As best seen in FIGS. 9-11 b, the panel channel 140is a continuous piece of material such as sheet metal or plastic thatincludes an inside surface 142 and an outside surface 144. The insideand outside surfaces 142, 144 define a thickness 146 of the panelchannel 140. For example, if the panel channel 140 is constructed fromsteel, a thickness 146 of about 0.43 mm may be used. The panel channel140 further includes a first and second inwardly-turned U-shapedportions 148, 150. These U-shaped portions 148, 150 are also formed tocontain first and second aperture engaging portions 152, 154. Suchaperture engaging portions 152, 154 terminate at first and second panelchannel edges 156, 158. The aperture engaging portions 152, 154 furtherinclude angled transitions 160, 162. These angled transitions 160, 162are angled at approximately 45° toward the outside surface 144.Additionally, the panel channel 140 includes a first and second footportion 164, 166. Such portions 164, 166 are connected to one another bya cross web portion 168. The distance from the inside surface 142 of theweb portion 168 to the angled transitions 160, 162, is approximately thesame as the predetermined distance 134. Furthermore, cross web portion168 is formed to sit slightly higher (relative to ground surface G) thanthe first and second foot portions 164, 166.

[0046]FIGS. 10 and 11a show the method in which the panel channel 140engages the bottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel 48. Thestandard snap-fit panel 48 is inserted into the panel channel 140, suchthat its bottom edge 136 rests on the cross web portion 168. Once thebottom edge 136 is on the web portion 168, the aperture engagingportions 152, 154 of the panel channel 140 engage the apertures 132 ofthe standard snap-fit panel 48. In this manner the standard snap-fitpanels 48 may be secured to the panel channel 140 without the need forseparate fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts. Although notshown, the panel channel 140 also engages the lower (and upper) edges136′, 138′ of the narrow panel 128 and corner panel 130 embodiments inthe same manner as previously described.

[0047] As indicated, the panel channel 140 may engage either the topedge 138 or the bottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel 48. Asbetter seen in FIG. 11a, when the panel channel 140 engages the bottomedge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel, there are gaps 170 where there isa distance between the outer surface 58 of the standard snap-fit panel48 and the first or second panel channel edge 156, 158. Thus, due to thefact that the storage building 20 will generally be located outdoors, itwould be desirable to keep debris from collecting in gaps 170. A debrisdeflector 172 is designed to prevent debris from getting into gaps 170.The debris deflector 172 may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal.For example, if the debris deflector 172 is constructed from steel, itmay have a thickness of about 0.43 mm. In addition, drainage holes orslots 173 may be provided in the panel channel 140 to prevent water orother liquids from collecting in the panel channel 140. The debrisdeflector 172 contains several recesses 174 formed in upper and lowerwall segments 175 a, 175 b of deflector 172 that follow the contours ofthe standard snap-fit panel 48. More specifically, the recesses 174follow the contours of outer surface 58 of the second ridged end portion52 and the outer surface 58 of the middle ridged portion 54. Therecesses 174 allow the debris deflector 172, and especially wallssegments 175 a, 175 b to fit snugly against to the standard snap-fitpanel 48, thereby preventing access to gaps 170 when the debrisdeflector 172 is snapped onto the outside surface 144 of the panelchannel 140. See FIG. 11b.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 12, the debris deflector 172 includes anupper and lower hemmed portion 176, 178, formed respectively an upperand lower wall segments 175 a, 175 b. The upper hemmed portion 176terminates in an upper debris deflector edge 180. The lower hemmedportion 178 terminates in a lower debris deflector edge 182. Immediatelyadjacent the upper hemmed portion 176 is a first transition portion 184.The first transition portion 184 connects the upper hemmed portion 176to a U-shaped engaging portion 186. It is important to note that thetransition portion 184 is formed to be slightly lower than the U-shapedengaging portion 186. This is important in assuring that the debrisdeflector 172 snaps into place on the panel channel 140. Additionally,the debris deflector also includes a second transition portion 188. Thesecond transition portion 188 travels in a substantially vertical mannerand attaches the U-shaped portion 186 to a foot engaging portion 190.Adjacent the foot engaging portion 190 and opposite the secondtransition portion 188, is a third transition portion 192. This thirdtransition portion 192 which is formed to be slightly higher than thefoot engaging portion 190, and attaches the foot engaging portion 192 tothe lower hemmed portion 178. As seen in FIGS. 11a and 11 b, the upperhemmed portion 176 contains recesses 174 at regular intervals.

[0049]FIG. 13 demonstrates the manner in which the standard snap-fitpanel 48, panel channel 140 and debris deflector 172 work in conjunctionwith one another. The bottom edge 136 of the standard channel 48 isrested on the cross web portion 168 of the panel channel 140. When thestandard snap-fit panel 48 is placed on the web portion 168, the firstand second aperture engaging portions 152, 154 of channel 140 engageapertures 132 of panel 48. This snap-fit engagement of apertures 132secures the panel channel 140 .to the standard channel 48. Finally, thedebris deflector 172 is snapped over the panel channel 140.Specifically, the U-shaped engaging portion 186 engages the secondu-shaped portion 150, and the foot engaging portion 190 snaps over thetop of the second foot portion 166 of the panel channel 140. Note thatFIG. 11b shows, in perspective view, the snap together interrelationshipbetween the standard snap-fit panel 48, the panel channel 140 and thedebris deflector 172.

[0050] As previously mentioned, the panel channel 140 may be disposed ateither the bottom edge 136 or the top edge 138 of the standard snap-fitpanel 48. When the panel channel 140 is disposed at the bottom edge ofthe standard snap-fit panel 48, a debris deflector 172 is preferablyused to keep debris out of the gaps 170. However, when the panel channel140 is disposed at the top edge 138 of the standard snap-fit panel 48,there is little to no need for a debris deflector 172. Instead, there isa need to provide a support means for the roof structure 32. Thissupport means comes in the form of a gable 194. The gable 194 may beconstructed from plastic or sheet metal. For example, if the gable 194is constructed from steel, it may have a thickness of about 0.36 mm. Thegable 194, as best seen in FIGS. 15a and 15 b, engages to the panelchannel 140 in a manner similar to the way that the debris deflector 172engages the panel channel 140. However, instead of preventing debrisfrom entering gaps 170, the gable 194 provides support for the roofstructure 32. The gable 194 includes a substantially vertical panel 196,and a panel channel clipping portion 198.

[0051]FIG. 14 demonstrates an end view of the panel channel clippingportion 198 of the gable 194. Similar to the debris deflector 172, thepanel channel clipping portion 198 includes a U-shaped engaging portion200. The U-shaped engaging portion terminates in edge 202. The panelchannel clipping portion further includes a first generally planartransition portion 204, having an inner surface 214. That portion 204attaches the U-shaped engaging portion 200 to a foot engaging portion206. Immediately adjacent the foot engaging portion 206 is a secondtransition portion 208. That portion 208 connects the foot engagingportion 206 to elongated contour portion 210. Adjacent the elongatedcontour portion 210, is a third transition portion 212, which connectsthe panel channel clipping portion 198 to the rest of the gablestructure 194 (See FIG. 15a).

[0052] As seen in FIGS. 15a and 15 b, the panel channel clipping portion198 engages the panel channel 140 in a snap-fit manner. Specifically,the U-shaped engaging portion 200 of the clipping portion 198 snaps overthe U-shaped portion 164 of the panel channel 140. Then the footengaging portion 206, in turn, is snapped over the top of the firstinwardly-turned U-shaped portion 148. When the foot engaging portion 206snaps over the foot portion 164, the elongated contour portion 210simultaneously engages cross web 168.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 16a and 16 b, a corner connector bracket215 is shown. The corner bracket 215 is used to secure two panelchannels 140 to one another at a 90° angle. To that end, it ispreferable to bevel the panel channels such that a 45° edge 216 isformed. Additionally, it is preferable that an aperture 218 is cut at apredetermined distance 220 from the 45° edge 216.

[0054] The corner bracket 215 is formed from a continuous piece ofmaterial such as plastic or sheet metal, and is bent at an approximate90° angle. Additionally, the corner bracket 215 includes a first andsecond opposing aperture engaging tabs 222, 224. The height 226 of thecorner bracket 215 is determined by the distance measured from the innersurface 142 of the second U-shaped portion 150 to the inside surface 142of the second foot portion 166 of the panel channel 140. Moreover, thecorner bracket 215 also includes first and second edges 228, 230. Asseen in FIG. 16a, second edge 230 is inserted into the panel channel140, in the space 232 bounded by the inside surface 142 of the secondU-shaped portion 150 and the inside surface 142 of the second footportion 166 of the panel channel 140.

[0055]FIG. 16b shows how the second opposing aperture engaging tab 224engages aperture 218, thereby securing the corner bracket 215 into placein the panel channel 140. Although not shown, first edge 228 can also beinserted into another panel channel 140, thereby engaging the two panelchannels 140 to one another a t a right angle to one another such as atthe corner of the shed building 20.

[0056] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention as claimed.

We claim:
 1. A corner connector bracket member for connecting adjacent elongate structural members of a storage building to one another, each said elongate structural member bearing slots, said corner connector bracket member comprising in combination: a first connecting portion; a second connecting portion disposed at approximately a right angle to said first connecting portion; and each said first and second connecting portion including a snap-fit tab adapted to engage a corresponding slot in each of the adjacent elongate structural members.
 2. The corner connector bracket member of claim 1, wherein each said snap-fit tab includes a ramp-shaped deflectable portion and a locking surface disposed at substantially a right angle from said ramp-shaped deflectable portion.
 3. A storage building comprising: a plurality of elongate structural members each having a receiving slot disposed near an end thereof; and a plurality of corner connector bracket members for connecting adjacent said elongate structural members to one another; wherein each said corner connector bracket members includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed at approximately a right angle to said first connecting portion, and each said first and second connecting portion includes a snap-fit tab adapted to engage a corresponding said receiving slot in each of said adjacent elongate structural members.
 4. The storage building of claim 3, wherein each said snap-fit tab includes a ramp-shaped deflectable portion and a locking surface disposed at substantially a right angle from said ramp-shaped deflectable portion.
 5. The storage building of claim 3, wherein each said elongate structural member has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially channel shaped.
 6. A corner bracket for use in connecting together adjacent elongate channel-shaped structural members of a storage building comprising in combination: an angle portion separating two end portions; said angle portions spanning the width of the corner bracket and forming an angle of approximately 90°, and each said end portion including a planar portion extending away from said angle portion and having a snap-fit tab member angularly extending therefrom.
 7. The corner bracket of claim 6, wherein each said tab member is generally centrally located in the associated said planar portion. 